What Is Nipple Necrosis?

Added on 30th November 2020

What is nipple necrosis?

Nipple necrosis, also known as nipple areola necrosis occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the nipple and can commonly occur in surgery involving a breast reduction or a mastopexy, depending on whether implants are used or not.

Why would nipple necrosis occur? 

The main reason why nipple necrosis occurs is due to either the arterial or the venous blood supply having problems within them. Damage to either of the blood supplies can occur during surgery because there has been a build of pressure in the breast.

When there is pressure in the breast that occurs over time, it can reduce the amount of blood supply flowing to the nipple of the breast. Similarly, it can also reduce the amount of bloody supply that comes away from the nipple too. 

What are the signs I have nipple necrosis?

There are common signs that you can look for to determine whether you have nipple necrosis forming on the nipple-areola complex. This can be either a whiter colour, which would suggest that it is an arterial problem, and it can be a darker colour which tends to be more common, and relates to venous congestion.

If you see any of these, it’s important that if you do see any of these signs within your breasts you contact your surgeon immediately. This will allow you to discover treatment options available and if picked up early, your nipple-areola complex can still be salvageable.

Final thoughts

It should be noted that it is extremely rare for nipple-areola complex necrosis to occur and even more rare to have nipple necrosis. It can be devastating if this occurs which is why it’s extremely important to pick this up as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns following your breast reduction surgery, do not hesitate to call your surgeon so the issue can be taken up early. Here at UK Aesthetic, we have expert surgeons who want to ensure that your concerns and health are a top priority. Contact us today so we can take you through a consultation and discuss your needs. 

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